In fact, knowing how books sometimes disappear, I ordered the set for my 4-month-old grandchild--and look forward to sharing it with him! Successful soon after publication, the novel was well received by the literary world. Looking forward to reading the next ones with my children. In Over Sea, Under Stone, Simon, Jane, and Barney are on holiday to Cornwall with their parents and Great Uncle Merry. Ronald Pickup (familiar to many as the voice of Aslan in the BBC Narnia TV adaptations) voiced Merriman Lyon while Struan Roger portrayed Mr. Hastings, Mr. Mitothin, and The Rider. She combines fantasy with history in. Please try again. Over Sea, Under Stone. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. There was something about Great-Uncle Merry that was like the hills, or the sea, or the sky; something ancient, but without age or end. In the scene I described, a pastor talks about what occurred in Christian terms, and the reader is told explicitly that Christianity is basically like a folk tale for simpletons. Over Sea, Under Stone came as a response to a contest designed to honour the memory of E. The boy pushed his bicycle to lean against the pile of boxes, scowling at Barney as he jumped nervously out of the way; then rage suddenly snarled out of him again. I can smell the sea! Were miles from the sea, Simon said loftily. Trewissick is based directly on the actual village of Mevagissey, which she frequented on her own holidays. Three siblings on summer holiday discover an ancient treasure map and race against the forces of the Dark in order to unlock its secrets. Great-Uncle Merry had gone away. I hope the next one will be as good as this one. See for yourself. The children present the Grail to the British Museum and are given a cheque for it. His names on his collar, Jane said, still down beside the dogs neck. I bought the book based on positive reviews from people whose opinion I respect very much. Never mind, Mother said comfortably. We dont share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we dont sell your information to others. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Over Sea, Under Stone; The Dark is Rising- 9780689840357, paperback, Cooper, new at the best online prices at eBay! The first book in Susan Cooper's "The Dark is Rising" series. [4] Joel Chaston writes that the contest was "offered by E. Nesbit's publisher, Ernest Benn, for family-adventure stories like those written by Nesbit. He leads the Dark members battling Merriman and the Drew children in the search for the Grail. The children eventually follow the clues to a cave beneath the headland and discover the Grail. His names Mr. Penhallow, and his boats called the White Heather. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading. Unexpectedly, it featured a few dated, discomfitingly racist tropes, and its pace sputtered a bit more than I would have wanted. Then he turned and went quickly back into the house, and Jane emerged thoughtfully from the car to follow the boys down the hill. Goshlook! He was looking out to sea, beyond the harbour mouth. He could never look frightened, she thought, but this was the nearest thing to it that she had ever seen. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. The plot summaries are just an introduction to a theme. The second is the date of Captain Toms: Friend of Merriman, owner of The Grey House which the Drews rent, has a very smart red setter Rufus that helps the Drew children avoid danger and find the Grail. In his dreams he fought imaginary battles as a member of the Round Table, rescuing fair ladies and slaying false knights. The Dark is Rising is actually the second book in the series, and much like another famous English fantasy series **coughNarniacough**, the second book is the better one; though in that case you get in to written chronology versus story chronology, and the conversation becomes complicated. Recent non-fiction includes her biography of Revels founder Jack Langstaff titled "The Magic Maker." Author. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. I wonder whose she is? Simon stood watching, entranced. The red-haired dog was standing on the pavement watching them, long pink tongue dangling over white teeth. Two or three grinned at Great-Uncle Merry, and waved. Check out this sample Study Guide. There was enough mystery and danger to keep me wanting to listen. Over Sea Under Stone is a great book, just as vivid and imaginative as ever. Nesbit. Margery Gill's realistic pen and ink illustrations contribute to the strong feeling of place drawn by the novel. Hes just gone chasing after some stupid old tomb in a church, or something. He treated her always as though he had forgotten that she had grown up. I hadnt read this first one since my early teens. Learn how to enable JavaScript on your browser, A Little Ferry Tale Only $9.99 With Purchase of Any Kids' Book. This book is still wonderful, exciting, fast paced classic treasure hunting adventure. These were the books that first got me hooked on the Arthurian myth and sparked my interest in British folklore. Certainly they are the best young adult series. It came out when I was a schoolgirl, and I cant imagine why I didnt come across it then, immersed as I was in John Masefield, Edith Nesbit, Tolkien, Alan Garner, CS Lewis etc. Father shrugged. "The Dark is Rising" has a tiny bit of spotting on the top edge, and a bookplate on the front pastedown, else is in fine condiiton; the dustwrapper is not price-clipped,but has a short closed . Now youre in Cornwall. The little man shook his fist, then turned towards the quay, leaping neatly from the deck of one boat to another, until he reached the ladder in the wall and climbed up by the childrens feet. Its owner picked it up and moved away, and the dog which had been behind it was left standing there alone, looking up and down the platform. The boys are thrilled, but Jane feels suspicious and declines to join them. The story of three siblings (and a dog) who search for the Holy Grail in Cornwall, dodging bad guys as they go, was just my drop in those days. The following worksheets are included in this unit: Comprehension Questions - chapters 1, 2-4, 5-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13 - Epilogue Vocabulary - chapters 1, 2-6, 7-12, 13 . Often on first sight it appears attractive and only later is seen as horrible. He did not look in the least like his name. But Barney, who had not been listening, turned round from where he had been peering over the edge of the quay. Still, I haven't done a series of proper reviews for them, which is a horrible shame, and I'm going to do that this time through. The novel is particularly powerful for young adults because Cooper stresses how important the Drew children's decisions are. Simon looked at her flushed face, hearing the strain in her voice. The legendary and allegorical overtones emerge clearly from the story itself. And underneath all the bits that people have added the magic swords and lamps they're all about one thing - the good hero fighting the giant or the witch or the wicked uncle. The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper, was prescribed reading when I was in primary school, and come to think of it, it was one of my first forays into fantasy literature. Oh Simon, dont, Jane said unhappily. Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper Novel Study. They are quest stories, rich in Arthurian lore with bits of magic with history and artifacts thrown in. I was King Arthur-mad in those days, and "fantasy fiction" was a relatively new phenomenon in my environment. I read this for the first time when I was seven and I was immediately pulled into the world and characters. Shes a beauty. Over Sea, Under Stone (The Dark is Rising Sequence) Paperback - November 1, 2000 by Susan Cooper (Author) 1,838 ratings Book 1 of 5: The Dark Is Rising See all formats and editions Kindle $8.99 Read with Our Free App Audiobook $0.00 Free with your Audible trial Hardcover $15.19 Other new, used and collectible from $5.98 Paperback You havent seen it yet, said Great-Uncle Merry. It has never been made commercially available. You been avin trouble with n? He jerked his head out to sea. A box of tins and packets of food had spilled from the bicycle carrier, and milk was trickling in a white puddle from a broken bottle splintered glittering in the sun. The second date is today's The Grail is an object of debate among the scholars there because of the unknown markings. Young Bill were buying stores and petrol and all, yesterday, enough for a navy, but nobody couldnt get it out of him who they was for. He might take years and years. Jane said: Do you think there is anything odd about her? Odd? What can I say. By Susan Cooper. Better written than the Harry Potter books, in my opinion (the children didn't agree with me on this one, they think Harry Potter has the edge) but with as much imagination and excitement. -- "New York Times" on The Dark Is Rising Sequence, Susan Cooper is one of our foremost fantasy authors; her classic five-book fantasy sequence The Dark Is Rising has sold millions of copies worldwide. Ah, said the fisherman. I have also read it to my own kids and bought it for others. Search the Wayback Machine. Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Over_Sea,_Under_Stone&oldid=1141017304, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. The Grey House? Simon said. If there are two dates, the date of publication and appearance We work hard to protect your security and privacy. I wonder maybethen he stopped short, strangely, as if he were quickly changing his mind about what he had been going to say. Hell be back in his own good time. Barney gazed dreamily at the Cornish pasties Mrs Palk had made for their supper. It tells the story of the three Drew children who while on holiday discover secrets related to the legend of King Arthur. I wish I could give this series a good review. It says Rufus. Word Count: 311. Once again, I loved traipsing through the Cornish countryside with Simon, Jane, and Barney. Idn no other way to get ashore from there. Why should there be? OhI dont know. Perhaps she belongs to the harbour-master, Barney said. Each book received other awards as well. "Over Sea, Under Stone - Summary" Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults Along his pointed finger, Jane saw the tall graceful triangle of a yacht under full sail, moving lazily in towards Trewissick. publication in traditional print. Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2016. Listen to a sample . The first book in Susan Cooper's "The Dark is Rising" series. I can't believe I read this almost 7 years ago and still haven't returned to finish the series until now. And in searching for it themselves, the Drews put their very lives in peril. Thanks Lashaan! . Aunt and accomplice to Bill. I can smell it. Trewissicks five miles from St Austell, Great-Uncle Merry said. Oh, where is he? Barney still jigged impatiently on the dusty grey platform, glaring at the disappearing backs that masked his view. Great big waves picking you up and bringing you down swoosh, everything falling about, pots and pans upsetting in the galley, and the deck going up and down, up and down Youll make her sick, Barney said calmly. Buy from one of these Booksellers: Amazon . When I first read and raved about this series (or as much of it as I could find when I was in middle school--I think I never got hold of Vol 5), it would have been a solid five--or perhaps 7! Please use a different way to share. Nonsense. "Over Sea, Under Stone" is fine and bright; the dustwrapper is price-clipped and has the tiniest bit of wear at the edges, else it is fine as well. everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Over Sea, Under Stone. Nobody knew very much about Great-Uncle Merry, and nobody ever quite dared to ask. Publication date 1965 Topics Archaeology Publisher San Diego, CA : Harcourt Brace Jovanovich All of the main characters in the novel fight on one of these two sides, although their allegiances are not always immediately clear. Mr. Hastings: Agent of The Dark, lets Jane believe he is the town Vicar. Here we are, he said. I hired her from a farmer. PRICE MAY VARY BY RETAILER. Hey, he comes from the village! But as she looked up, suddenly the others were not there. The citation above will include either 2 or 3 dates. Over Sea, Under Stone. The main characters poo-poo Christian theology as the belief of those who "don't really get it." Three children on holiday in Cornwall with their parents and a mysterious uncle discover an ancient treasure map lost in a secret room in the house they are staying in. dustjacket Summary Simon, Jane and Barney Drew visit the seaside village of Trewissick in Cornwall with their parents, to stay with "Great-Uncle Merry". by Susan Cooper Book 1 of the Dark is Rising Sequence. The (former) vicarage, where Jane Drew has the first nasty encounter with Mr. Hastings, is based on the (former) vicarage Mevagissey House. I'm a suckler for anything with monoliths and megaliths in and this was is full to the brim. He was tall, and straight, with a lot of very thick, wild, white hair. Among narratives intended for children it features fairly sophisticated use of English, with an extensive vocabulary and complex sentence structures. The captain couldnt take him abroad, so Rufus goes with the Grey House. He folded himself into the driving seat. Do they know you? Simon said curiously. ariel is exactly this great: The first book of my all-time favorite children's fantasy series. And while it is good, I cant wait to get the next one in the series. In the name of King Arthur, and of the old world before the dark came.. He just muttered about having to go and look for something and roared off in the car like a thunderbolt. But weve only just got here, Simon said, hurt. "Beautifully toldsuperbly written." I haven't re-read them in years but they still stand out as some of, perhaps THE, best series of "fantastic" novels for children. Another thing I enjoyed was the realism of Simon, Jane, and Barneys interactions. Mr. Withers and his sister Polly: Over-friendly tourists who invite the Drews on their boat; they are agents of the Dark. The Drew family meet him in the fictional fishing village of Trewissick on the southern coast of Cornwall. (Tales from the House of Bunnicula Series #2). He took one more look out at the quiet line of boats; then put up his hand to peer into the sun. But Jane clutched him back, and the boy moved quickly to the edge of the quay and climbed down over the edge, facing them, the box of groceries in his arms. , second in a trilogy, which won the Scottish Arts Councils Childrens Book Award. He was a long, rangy, lean dog, and where the sunlight shafted down on his coat it gleamed dark red. It is even more than that -- the key to finding a grail, a source of power to fight the forces of evil known as the Dark. Please try again. In Over Sea, Under Stone, Simon, Jane, and Barney are on holiday to Cornwall with their parents and Great Uncle Merry. Was is full to the legend of King Arthur, and waved and roared off in name! Discover an ancient treasure map and race against the forces of the Dark lets. Was is full to the legend of King Arthur of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 4 of stars... 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